Beautiful things: Miyabi knives and science-inspired Adidas trainers

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Miyabi Birchwood seven piece block set, $1,200, knifemerchant.com

Chefs are infamously disagreeable, but one area they do tend to agree on is the importance of decent knives. It is widely accepted that the Japanese craft the very best, and these ones made in Seki, central Japan, certainly seem to confirm this. Each handmade utensil is made up of 101 layers of ice-hardened steel. The mottled texture is created by hammering the blade and is designed to prevent food sticking to the knife (it also makes it look a bit like a samurai sword), while the handles are super-sleek birchwood. They may not come cheap, but these are probably the best knives you’ll ever own.

Adidas Ultra Boost trainer, £130, adidas.co.uk

January’s a write off, and February is just too damn close to January. March is when you should really start pounding the tarmac to get in shape for the warmer months. Thankfully, trainers this cool help make the hard work seem less like... well, hard work. Adidas’ new Ultra Boost range feature special foam in the midsole that is designed to return energy every step you make, helping you run for longer. The uppers are made from seamless knitted material that allows flexibility while offering support. Barefoot running may be going out of fashion, but these might just be the next best thing.